List, in sequence, the phases of the interphase stage of the cell life cycle, and briefly describe what happens in each.

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Identify that interphase is the longest phase of the cell cycle, during which the cell prepares for division by growing and replicating its DNA.

List the three main phases of interphase in order: G1 phase, S phase, and G2 phase.

Describe the G1 phase (Gap 1): the cell grows in size, produces RNA, synthesizes proteins, and carries out normal metabolic functions.

Describe the S phase (Synthesis): the cell replicates its DNA, so each chromosome consists of two sister chromatids.

Describe the G2 phase (Gap 2): the cell continues to grow, produces proteins and organelles, and prepares for mitosis by checking for DNA replication errors.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Phases of Interphase

Interphase consists of three sequential phases: G1, S, and G2. These phases prepare the cell for mitosis by growing, replicating DNA, and checking for errors.

G1 Phase (Gap 1)

During G1, the cell grows in size, produces RNA and proteins, and performs normal metabolic functions. It also prepares the necessary components for DNA synthesis.

S Phase (Synthesis)

In the S phase, the cell replicates its entire DNA, ensuring that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes during cell division.

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Phases of Mitosis

Related Practice

Textbook Question

List the stages of mitosis, and briefly describe the events that occur in each.

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Textbook Question

How many amino acids are coded in the DNA segment:

CTC–ATA–CGA–TTC–AAG–TTA?

(a) 18

(b) 9